1991 Topps Stadium Club Baseball Cards

When 1991 Topps Stadium Club Baseball arrived, the hobby was already changing. Upper Deck had essentially forced every manufacturer into making better quality cards. But the introduction of Stadium Club took it up another notch. The result was one of the hottest sets at the time. And while the value of the set has slipped over the years, it's a release that most still look back upon with fondness. Plus it has Nolan Ryan pitching in a tuxedo. What's not to love about that?

1991 Topps Stadium Club Baseball's major focus is on photography. Not only does that translate into the images but the quality as well. Topps trumpeted the fact that the cards were printed on Kodak paper, giving them a slick premium feel. Pictures are a mix of action shots and portraits. But even those that have standard shots, they come to life thanks to their bright colors and crispness.

Beyond the quality, the overall design is one of simplicity. Card fronts are full-bleed without any borders. The bottom part of the card has a thin blue ribbon for the player's name and the brand's logo. Backs have a lot more going on. The first thing you notice is a picture of their "rookie card." There's some revisionist history here as cards from other companies are ignored. Many also list cards from the Major League Debut box sets that are viewed upon by many as more of a niche box set than rookies. Backs also take a more visual approach to player evaluation. They're not at the level of 2014 Bowman Chrome, but they are different from other sets from the same era.

1991 Topps Stadium Club Baseball was released in two series, each with 300 cards. While there are rookies, they're not a big reason for the set's lasting impression. Jeff Bagwell is the only major rookie and he comes in Series 2.

At one point, this was one of the hottest sets in the hobby. And while it still commands a lot of respect and fond memories, cards are worth merely a fraction of what they once did. Boxes for both series are still readily available and can be found for well under $20.

Ryan Cracknell | E-Mail AuthorRyan is a former member of The Cardboard Connection Writing Staff.
His collecting origins began with winter bike rides to the corner store, tossing a couple of quarters onto the counter and peddling home with a couple packs of O-Pee-Chee hockey in his pocket. Today, he continues to build sets, go after inserts with cool technologies, chase Montreal Expos and finish off his John Jaha master collection.

But over all this set was a big stepping stone for future sets . I think this one and the 91 football set are so underrated now. But this also has to do with over production. Then lack of star rookie power in the baseball set Football was loaded .